Yeshivat Noam hosted its second Technology Kindness and Safety Education Day in the elementary school, focusing on the topic of online privacy and security. The unit introduces students to the concept of online privacy and the risks of sharing private information online. The curriculum seeks to prepare students to have reasonable caution and awareness of the serious risks associated with engaging in online activity while also teaching concrete strategies for safe and appropriate digital interactions.
Teachers presented each grade with a specific lesson and will continue to reflect on the ideas learned and practice the tools that were shared.
First graders watched a video and learned the “Pause & Think Online” song to remember basic digital citizenship concepts. The teachers led a discussion about the importance of being safe, responsible and respectful online.
Second graders learned about the kinds of information they should keep to themselves when they use the internet, just as they would with a stranger in person. Through an interactive lesson, students learned to recognize what should be kept private. Students understand that they should never give out private information online. Students practiced by filling out a mock login for a new music app.
Third graders learned about digital citizenship and their responsibility to themselves, to others and to the community. Through a “ring of responsibility” model, students discussed different ways to be safe and responsible online. Students are now aware of how each move they make can have a ripple effect and impact a larger group.
Fourth graders engaged in discussions about the reasons why people share information about themselves online and the difference between private and personal information. Different scenarios were presented and students identified information that is safe and fun to share and to help connect with others. Students also understand why sharing private information is risky because it can be used to identify you individually. Continued awareness and reflection exercises will solidify and reinforce these ideas.
Fifth graders were introduced to new terms including “clickbait” and the “curiosity gap.” Students were taught that many inviting headlines are meant to make you curious and have you click on the sight. This can lead to unsafe places online. Students were given different headlines and discussed which were intriguing and why it is important to be careful not to “fall” for them.
Students were taught to always check with their parents before logging on to any site, downloading any app or sharing any personal information online.
Yeshivat Noam again hosted a meeting hobby fair and every student engaged in tech-free and creative fun, learning skills and hobbies that they can easily do at home. First-third graders were engaged in friendship and lanyard bracelet making, fun with paper and origami, and learning tech-free games. Fourth-fifth graders learned how to draw cartoons from Andrew Galitzer, author of Torah Comics, an orthodox Jewish artist who is passionate about teaching Torah through art.
The students all benefited from the extensive programming focused on technology, kindness and internet safety.
